When I was a kid there was a Tootsie Pop commercial where a cartoon owl held a tootsie pop and asked the question “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?” And he starts to lick, 1, 2, 3 and then takes a big bite and if my memory is correct, he then declares 3. But we all know that last lick was a bite. The question is not answered and it is up to you to find out. So how many Hypnotherapy sessions does it take to see progress or resolve and issue? I don’t want to be the owl in that commercial and tell you a definitive answer. Because we humans don’t work like that. The truth is, it depends. It depends on what you are working on, it depends on what energy is put into resolution between sessions. Sometimes a bite is what is needed and an issue will be resolved in one session, it’s happened. Smoking cessation and weight loss tend to take a minimum of 6 sessions. Anxiety, fear and even ennui are like the Tootsie Pop. We don’t know. But the goal of hypnotherapy is to change or adapt underlying beliefs within the subconscious mind to create new outcomes and better resources within oneself.
Hypnotherapy is unlike other therapies because it works directly with your subconscious mind. And like all therapies, the answer to your dilemma, is you. While hypnosis is not a quick fix (although sometimes it can be) often your presenting issue can be resolved in 3, 6 or 10 sessions. Outcomes differ because people differ. It is common for clients to come in and work on an issue such as fear of flying and resolve that issue and never come back for another session. While another client might recognize the benefit of getting into the deep alpha state and decide to work on other vocational or avocational issues. If you find yourself repeating habits that do not serve you, like procrastination or having the same problems with different people year after year, hypnosis is likely a good solution. It could be the answer to the thoughts. “I don’t know why I can’t get it together” or “I feel like no one gets me “. Fear of success is real and so is self-doubt and a lack of vocational focus. It’s helpful to check in with oneself and examine conditioned habits, limiting beliefs and unresolved fears. Hypnotherapy will help you realign yourself with your values and desired outcomes.
Hypnotherapists also work in conjunction with your doctor or mental health practitioner. A diabetic might come in to work on motivation to change eating habits. Someone suffering with mild depression might come in to reduce anxiety or to create mindful habits that can deescalate the triggers to that anxiety. It is well documented that Hypnotherapy is beneficial to the medical conditions such as asthma, insomnia, hot flashes, IBS, nausea and also to mental health conditions such as stress and anxiety, panic attacks and PTSD. The reasons for this is as I’ve mentioned, the answers lie within you. The repetitive thoughts, the daily habits, general patterning of moods, opinions and assumptions create not only a mindset but also affect our body’s ability to cope. Neuroplasticity is a buzz word because there is truth in the statement, if you can change your thoughts, you will change your life.
